So, my Mom (she's 70) just finished chemo and radiation for pancreatic cancer. (So far the prognosis is good!) She didn't lose all of her hair, but the hair that is left is dry and brittle. I know her doctor told her that it was important she eat lots of protein. She's always been thin and though she's eating, I'm guessing she's still not getting enough protein and it's showing in her hair. Besides the obvious meat, nuts and legumes diet, can anyone recommend any good (preferably natural) hair products that can help her hair recover? (Or has anyone else gone through this and has any thoughts and helpful solutions?) Thank you.

"Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, 'Where have I gone wrong?' Then a voice says to me, 'This is going to take more than one night.' " - Charlie BrownHEY!!! Follow me at http://www.twitter.com/kurleeedna

"Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, 'Where have I gone wrong?' Then a voice says to me, 'This is going to take more than one night.' " - Charlie BrownHEY!!! Follow me at http://www.twitter.com/kurleeedna

I had two cancer battles myself and what worked for me was taking Omega 3 gel tablets. And increasing my protein stores by drinking protein shakes three times a day (Ensure). Then when I grew tired of that I started making my custom blends using Greek yogurt with milled flaxseed seed, bananas and other fruit. Its tough because for me personally even after I finished my rounds my tastebuds were a little off so everything tasted horrible so that killed my appetite. So the Omega 3's came in handy.

As far as the hair products go I actually stuck with organic baby shampoo and my mom added vitamin e or coconut oil to it because it was soothing to my scalp. It didn't contain sulfates because I made the mistake of using one that contained sulfates one day and it made my scalp super dry and itchy. I hope I was some help.

Thank you, beautyjunkie.
I will tell Mom about your suggestions. I hope you continue to do well, too.

"Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, 'Where have I gone wrong?' Then a voice says to me, 'This is going to take more than one night.' " - Charlie BrownHEY!!! Follow me at http://www.twitter.com/kurleeedna

I'm glad to see your update. I lost my dad last Xmas after a 3 yr battle with pancreatic cancer. He was still in remission when a new type of cancer unrelated to the pancreatic showed up and killed him. I don't want to be a downer - my point was that he was in remission from PanCan that was originally classified as locally advanced, inoperable adenocarcinoma, and they originally told him he would have maybe six months. We got three years. Living on borrowed time makes you look at life so differently! Please give your mom a HUGE hug.

Anyway, protein, b vitamins, vitamin D, and omegas and fish oil will help the hair situation. Protein shakes with fruit, a bunch of kale and a spoonful of high quality (non fishy) oils are an easy way to get them in. I assume she can't have seeds or nuts now, but if she can, grind them and use them in the shake too. :-)

"Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, 'Where have I gone wrong?' Then a voice says to me, 'This is going to take more than one night.' " - Charlie BrownHEY!!! Follow me at http://www.twitter.com/kurleeedna